Can We Get Student Concession on IRCTC Ticket?

The concept of student concession on IRCTC tickets in India has a rich history. Originally in the 1970s, students returning home for their summer break used to apply for a concession form that would reduce their train fare by 50%. Although this practice may no longer be as prevalent, the student concession is still available and regulated by the Indian Railways for specific categories of students during holidays.

The Process for Obtaining Student Concession

In India, the student concession process involves the following steps:

Obtaining the Concession Form: Students must first acquire the concession form from their school or college office. This form serves as the official application for the concession. Producing the Form at Booking Office: Take the completed and signed concession form to the railway booking office while purchasing your ticket.

Indian Railways grants student concession during the holidays declared by educational institutions controlled by the Central Government. This concession is applicable only for the sleeper class (SL) and 2nd sitting (2S). However, there are specific categories that can avail additional concessions:

SC/ST Category: Students from Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes can get a 75% concession on sleeper and 2nd sitting classes. Girl Students: Up to graduation level, girl students can get a full concession in 2nd class domestic journeys. Government School Students in Rural Areas: They can get a 75% concession for a study tour once a year.

Concession Details and Ticket Exchange Process

Here are the details of the available concessions and the process for ticket exchange:

General Category

50% concession in 2nd and SL classes 50% concession in MST and QST classes

SC/ST Category

75% concession in 2nd and SL classes 75% concession in MST and QST classes

Girls up to graduation and boys up to 12th standard, as well as students of Government schools in rural areas, can avail the concession as follows:

Students of Government Schools in Rural Areas

Free 2nd class MST for study tours once a year 75% concession in 2nd class for entrance exams

Concession for Specific Students

Other categories that can benefit from student concession include research scholars and students participating in work camps or cadets:

Research Scholars Work Camp Participants

50% concession in 2nd and SL classes 25% concession in 2nd and SL classes 50% concession in 2nd and SL classes

Additionally, cadets and Marine Engineers apprentices undergoing navigation or engineering training also qualify for a 50% concession for journeys between home and training ship.

Season Tickets for Students

Season tickets are available for students with monthly and quarterly options. Here are the key details:

Season tickets issued for first and second class journeys, up to a maximum distance of 150 Kms. Charged at half the normal adult season ticket fare for monthly tickets and 2.7 times the student MST fare for quarterly tickets. Issued without any minimum charge, subject to the following conditions: Student age should not exceed 25 years (27 for SC/ST, 35 for research scholars). MSTs for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes: Issued for 50% lower than normal student MST fares. QSTs for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes: Issued for 2.7 times the concessional fares of MSTs. Free MSTs: Available to boys studying up to class 10 and girls up to class 12 for commuting between home and school. Issued for second class only, not valid for express or superfast trains, and without any additional surcharges. Season tickets are issued subject to the conditions for concessional student MSTs/QSTs as per rules.

If you have more questions or need further assistance regarding student concession on IRCTC tickets, feel free to consult your college authorities or contact the nearest IRCTC office.